Megan C. Pennline
Director of Business Development
Megan plays an integral role in the success of Thorburn Associates. With a strong background in audiovisual integration sales, Megan has overseen many complex, high profile accounts by coordinating the details of the projects from conception to completion. She helps manage and implement all aspects of the account, including needs analysis, design components, and project management as well as orchestrating post-sale professional resources and services. She has the unparalleled ability to see the value in each partnership she forms both professionally and personally.
As a graduate of Wake Forest University with a BA degree in Communications, Megan is an avid Carolina Panthers fan and enjoys running and spending time on Lake Wylie with her family and friends.
Karen Ballard
Marketing Coordinator
Karen has been a part of the AEC industry for many years. She graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Nazareth College. She brings her creative energy and marketing expertise to bind together all the elements that TA has to offer. Her positive attitude and willingness to be a team player makes her a valuable asset to the company.
When not at TA, Karen is a Real Estate Advisor helping people fulfill their dream of home ownership.
Philip Zumbrun
Associate Principal
Philip received a BSE degree in Acoustical Engineering from Purdue University. He is active in projects that require both acoustical engineering and technology system design services, which includes architectural room acoustics, mechanical noise and vibration control, sound isolation and environmental noise control. Philip understands that using science and technology positively impacts the human experience, both during the design and at the conclusion of the project. His acoustical consulting projects have included education facilities, worship spaces, corporate meeting venues, theme parks, government, healthcare, and recording facilities.
His dedication to his profession is evident through frequent teaching engagements for the American Institute of Architects and the recipient of the Consulting Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 award. Philip spends his free time enjoying quality time with his family and his love of music.
Lars Goding, CTS
Associate
With a drive for precision and detail, Lars is an accomplished AutoCAD and Revit master on the TA team. His role as a draftsman works seamlessly with both our engineers and clients, ensuring that design goals are met. Beyond his drafting abilities, Lars lends his skilled proficiency in Adobe Suite, WordPress, Google Suite and Bluebeam, among others, to assist the marketing department in their creative initiatives. Having graduated from North Carolina State University, he holds a BS degree in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education. Away from work, you can find him enjoying a good gaming adventure, wielding a tennis racket on the court, or diving into the realms of woodcraft and electronics.
Derek Lawson, CTS-D, ANP
Senior Associate
Derek is a technology designer with experience in AV, telecom, and security system design. He is active in projects that span across a variety of verticals, including worship spaces, corporate meeting venues, healthcare, education facilities, government, libraries, and themed entertainment. His critical thinking skills enable him to effectively communicate and explain complicated solutions to end users.
He graduated from NC State University with a degree in Technology Education and Graphic Communication. This education gave him an appreciation for the use of graphic design to clearly communicate design intent on his projects. Derek proudly served 8 years in the Army National Guard.
Lauren von Blohn
Associate
Lauren is a highly skilled professional in acoustical design and construction management analysis. With extensive experience in room acoustics, sound isolation, environmental control, and HVAC noise and vibration control, she has collaborated closely with international engineering design teams across various sectors, including architecture, structural engineering, construction, healthcare, legal, and music production. Lauren’s remarkable ability to overcome technical challenges and cater to client-specific requirements has earned her a reputation as an expert in her field. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University.
Dave Ernst, CTS
Senior Associate
Dave is an experienced acoustical engineer and solution designer with a proven understanding of architectural acoustics, noise and vibration control principles, audio and electro-acoustic system design. His love of music and sound and his technical inclinations led Dave to study acoustical engineering at Purdue University, earning his BSE. Being both a left and right brained person, he enjoys bringing together both the technical side and the subjective human experience of sound in his work. He understands the acoustical principles that apply to all environments, whether it’s the small room that is the interior of a car or the larger building spaces, offices, auditoriums, and classrooms. He is always customer-focused and enjoys delivering high quality results. When Dave isn’t working, he enjoys weightlifting, running and hiking outdoors, playing the bass guitar, and spending time with his family. He is also a devoted Cincinnati Bengals fan!
Kaleb Ihde
Senior Technical Assistant
Kaleb brings with him a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as well as an Associate degree in Architectural Technology from MATC. His longtime interest in design and creativity, brought Kaleb to TA. His strong critical thinking skills and adeptness in CAD software allows him to accurately specify dimensions, codes, methods, and materials. He is active in projects that span across a variety of verticals, including civic, K-12 education, and higher education. In his free time, Kaleb enjoys watching sports and playing outdoor hockey.
Sinai Astorga
Associate
A graduate from North Carolina State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Sinai’s responsibilities are focused on acoustical consulting. He works on a broad range of architectural projects applying his knowledge in room acoustics, sound isolation, and HVAC system noise control. His proficiency in Sketchup 3D modeling and EASE is a great asset for preparing reports with his acoustical analysis and solutions. You will often see Sinai out in the field performing acoustical testing and measurements. His time spent as an undergraduate research assistant in one of the acoustics labs at NCSU is what triggered his interest in the acoustical field, along with his passion for playing guitar and accordion. He enjoys spending his free time doing woodworking and BBQ grilling.
Caren Baker
Accounting Specialist
Caren is the ultimate Bookkeeper. She has been with the company for over 10 years and is responsible for maintaining QuickBooks accounts, financial statements, reconciliations, billing, and payroll. When she’s not busy with work, Caren is an avid movie buff, whether they be classic movies, documentaries, or Academy Award winning movies.
Nanette Franceschini
Administrative Assistant
Nan, as many call her, is responsible for keeping the CRM database updated and on point. She is responsible for annual reports such as with the secretary of state, billing, and continuing education course evaluations, submissions, and updates for the American Institute of Architects. She is very active in her community as a volunteer for the local Food Pantry as well as an award-winning dog breeder of Australian Shepherds.
Jane Norwood
Office Manager
Jane's excellent customer service, multi-tasking and critical thinking skills are key to running the office. Of the infinite number of daily tasks Jane handles, she has the uncanny ability to handle it all simultaneously. Her effervescent personality allows her to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, staff, and management. Jane is a movie enthusiast and enjoys reading and poetry.
Julie Sullivan
Senior Associate
Julie concentrates on acoustic consulting. She has always had an interest in both engineering and music. This combination of music and her aptitude for engineering is what led her into the creative world of acoustics.
She earned her BSE, Acoustics and Music from the University of Hartford. Her areas of expertise include acoustic simulations and measurements, primarily in hospitals and mass-timber buildings. Julie and her husband live in Cary, NC and she enjoys spending her free time pampering her cats and meeting up with friends for game nights.
Nelson Alaniz
Senior Associate
Nelson’s main passion lies in the world of Lighting Design. His unique experiences have been a bridge in addressing architectural and theatrical lighting solutions while at TA. From conception, Nelson analyzes the client’s program for the space to determine the appropriate lighting design not only for the functionality of the building but for the occupants occupying the space. It is a delicate symbiotic relationship that needs to be correct to have a well-balanced building. Providing lighting concepts, technical drawings, renderings, and photometric reports, he has designed projects in the commercial, retail, healthcare, government, and themed entertainment industries.
In addition to lighting design, Nelson has an IT background of over 22 years in the military and private sector. Evolving with technology and his interior design and IT background, he can assist with pinpointing issues in the design phase so when moving into the CA phase, there shouldn’t be any problems to resolve at that point in time. Nelson is an innovative thinker offering his clients a unique look at the constantly changing world of technology ensuring them of receiving the best service for their needs and within their budget.
Travis Ludwig, CTS-D
Senior Associate
Travis has over 40 years’ experience as a design consultant for audio, video, and control systems. He focuses on architectural and enterprise projects that span the broad spectrum of vertical markets. It is his goal to transform client needs and expectations into real-world solutions within budget.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Audio Acoustics & Sound Reproduction. Travis has a love of music and good sound. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, music composition, listening to & playing all kinds of music.
Lee Loudermilk, CTS-D
Senior Associate
Lee creates the design of Audio-Visual systems. He is from Yadkinville, NC, graduated from NC State University with a degree in Technology Education and Graphic Communication. Lee is a methodical thinker, incredibly detailed oriented and has always had an interest in AV design. Having worked as a CAD manager for many years, Lee can see design from different perspectives.
Lee proudly served 9 years in the Army National Guard and was an active military member during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is an avid book collector, history & science buff, enjoys gaming and pop culture.
Laura Howard
Administrative Specialist
As Regional Office Manager for 7 years, Laura has been the go-to person providing support to management, billing, and the marketing/business development team at TA. She effectively carries out her responsibilities with account receivables and contract compliance. She recently transitioned to part-time in the spring of 2022.
Her current work status allows her the spend more time with her husband, children and 5 grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys working on her farm and taking care of the garden and her animals.
Kalen Larson
Managing Principal
Kalen Larson is Managing Principal of Thorburn Associates, an engineering firm specializing in Acoustics, Audiovisual, and Lighting Design. With over 16 years of experience with management, operations, and design experience, he has served as a tenured Associate Professor (ranked in the top 10% of instructors on campus) and was recognized for the innovate design of his hybrid courses.
He has been a part of technical teams around the world creating special effects of live performer flight. Select national tours include SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, Elf the Musical, Finding Neverland, Wizard of Oz, and Wicked.
Kalen has been a voting member of the ESTA technical standards program, establishing ANSI standards for theatre and served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the ETCP certification program. Publications include “Proscenium Sized Butterfly Wings” and “Fauxberglass: An Inexpensive Alternative to Fiberglass”.
Kalen holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Art from Siena Heights University; his MFA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and his Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.
